IAF AN-32 Aircraft Crashes Near Jorhat, Assam: Rescue Operations Underway

Major Incident in Jorhat, Assam

A significant accident has occurred in Jorhat, Assam, where an Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed near the Jorhat Air Force Station on Saturday morning. According to defense officials, the incident took place while the aircraft was attempting to land in the Roveria area. Following the crash, both the Air Force and local authorities promptly initiated a large-scale rescue operation.

Details of the Crash

The IAF transport aircraft, identified as an AN-32, crashed during its landing attempt in the Roveria region. Currently, there is no information available regarding the pilots, and the IAF has stated that further details will be provided if there are any casualties. Images and videos from the crash site have circulated on social media, showing smoke rising from the area as rescue efforts commenced.

Fire Erupts Post-Crash

Reports indicate that a fire broke out in the aircraft following the crash, and officials are expected to assess the situation and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. This marks the second crash of an AN-32 in nearly a year; the previous incident occurred on March 7 last year in Bagdogra, West Bengal, where the crew was safe and no lives were lost.

About the AN-32 Aircraft

The AN-32 is a Soviet-era twin-engine turboprop transport aircraft from the 1980s, primarily used for delivering cargo in challenging conditions. It can carry approximately 40 to 50 passengers and up to 7.5 tons of cargo. India operates around 105 AN-32 aircraft, which are undergoing modernization, with 35 upgraded by the Ukrainian company Ukrspetsexport and the remainder being modernized domestically.

Future Plans for Replacement

India is planning to replace its aging AN-32 fleet under the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. Reports suggest that the country may acquire around 60 such aircraft for the IAF, pending approval from the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).